This lake in Karnataka is straight out of a Canadian Landscape- Ayyanakere Lake

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Credits - pixabay.com

Photo of This lake in Karnataka is straight out of a Canadian Landscape- Ayyanakere Lake by Saumitra Shinde

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Lake Superior in Minnesota. It's the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The giant water body which can be easily mistaken for a sea is a natural marvel. It's so huge that its shores are shared by the U.S. state of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario the Canadian province.

The never ending shore till the horizon and trees flanking the road makes Lake Superior an ideal destination for long road trips.

Photo of This lake in Karnataka is straight out of a Canadian Landscape- Ayyanakere Lake 1/5 by Saumitra Shinde
Lake Superior during winters - Clicked by Saumitra Shinde
Photo of This lake in Karnataka is straight out of a Canadian Landscape- Ayyanakere Lake 2/5 by Saumitra Shinde
Lake Superior, Minnesota - Clicked by Saumitra Shinde
Photo of This lake in Karnataka is straight out of a Canadian Landscape- Ayyanakere Lake 3/5 by Saumitra Shinde
Scenic drive near Lake Superior - Clicked by Saumitra Shinde

Man-made or Natural, lakes have a unique charm. Their calm nature and scenic surroundings make them an ideal place to connect with nature. They carry an aura which represents something mystical and historic.

Photo of This lake in Karnataka is straight out of a Canadian Landscape- Ayyanakere Lake 4/5 by Saumitra Shinde
Credits - pixabay.com
Photo of This lake in Karnataka is straight out of a Canadian Landscape- Ayyanakere Lake 5/5 by Saumitra Shinde
Credits - pixabay.com

Thankfully, in India, we can experience such beauty at Tso Moriri, Pangong, Pichola, Fatehsagar, Badi, Venna, Vembanad, Shivsagar, and many more.

One such lake that is sure to entice you with its sprawling landscape and dramatic sunset is the Ayyanakere Lake near Chikmagalur.

Why travel to Ayyanakere?

Situated in the Malnad region of Karnataka, the Ayyanakere Lake is the 2nd largest in the state. The lake is surrounded by hills and is considered to be one of the most popular destinations in Karnataka.

Rukmangada Raya constructed this lake before it was renovated in 1156 AD by the kings of Hoysala. The purpose of commissioning this lake was to create fertile land, and today this water body provides irrigation to approximately 21,560 hectares of land.

Ayyanakere Lake a.k.a Dodda Magoda Kere is one of the ancient lakes in India. The historic Hoysala empire still has its presence here in the form of ruins and temples on the lake's shore.

The lake also has many legends to its name.

According to one such legend, the lake was guarded by a man called Honna Billa. On a full moonlight, goddess guarding the lake appeared and told him and one of his friends that the lake will breach. Fearing the damage to life and property, they both requested her to delay it till they evacuated the village and alarmed the villagers, and returned back with the news.

But instead of alarming the villagers and coming back, they both martyred themselves by beheading, thus keeping the goddess waiting forever.

The geographical location of the lake has made it even more pleasing to the eyes. Surrounded by a mountainous landscape on three sides, the lake offers a dramatic view of the sunset and sunrise.

There are many hills that overlook this lake and amongst them, a hill that stands out is the conical shaped Shakunagiri mountain.

Overlooking the lake at a height of 4,600 ft, the mountain complements the lake's beauty.

When to go

Monsoon is the best time of the year to visit this lake and experience the lush green hills and a filled lake.

Getting there

The nearest town to the lake is Chikmagalur. So if you plan to visit here during your stay in Chikmagaluru then the lake is only 50 mins away.

Accomodation

There are no accomodations around the lake hence it is recommended that you stay in Chikmagaluru.

Credits - booking.com

Photo of Zostel Chikmagalur, Aladagudde, Karnataka, India by Saumitra Shinde

Credits - booking.com

Photo of Zostel Chikmagalur, Aladagudde, Karnataka, India by Saumitra Shinde

Credit - booking.com

Photo of Trivik Hotels & Resorts Chikmagalur, Chickmagaluru, Karnataka, India by Saumitra Shinde

Credit - booking.com

Photo of Trivik Hotels & Resorts Chikmagalur, Chickmagaluru, Karnataka, India by Saumitra Shinde

Credits - booking.com

Photo of MalnadEcoStay, Chikkolale, Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India by Saumitra Shinde

Credits - booking.com

Photo of MalnadEcoStay, Chikkolale, Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India by Saumitra Shinde

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